We are thrilled to announce that Sarah Rodgers has been appointed as the director of the Robert & Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center, slated to open in the spring of 2027.
Creating a Place Where Young Lives Flourish
Sarah will oversee the launch of the center and its day-to-day operations, playing a crucial role in staffing, enrollment, and program development. Rooted in a classical Christian education model, she will cultivate the center’s focus on whole-child development, creating a safe, nurturing environment for children ages 0-4.
She will work closely with the College of Education and collaborate with local community leaders, stakeholders, parents, and other organizations to drive partnerships and further the center’s mission of expanding access to high-quality early education.
Sarah will officially assume the position on June 1, 2026.
From the Front of the Classroom to the Heart of the Community
With over 25 years of experience working with children and families, Sarah was previously a teacher within the Polk County School system and the children’s pastor of Church For The ONE’s Highland Park campus in Lakeland. She has earned National Board Certification, the nation’s highest professional credential for teachers, and was named Teacher of the Year at three different schools.
Most recently, Sarah served as the executive director of Academy For The ONE, a Christian school in Lakeland offering faith-based early childhood education and after-school care to infants through fifth grade.
She is a dedicated advocate for strengthening local education efforts and serves on the Polk County School District Advisory Board. She is also an SEU alumna, having received a master’s degree in elementary education in 2009.
Learn More
Join the Waitlist for the Early Childhood Center
SEU’s College of Education
Classical Conversations Plus at SEU
MA in Classical Studies at SEU
Apply to SEU
